Nature Reserves
Visit a special wild place near you
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust manages 35 nature reserves covering over 1,200 hectares of rich, diverse and beautiful habitats. From woodland to meadows, wetland to heaths, our nature reserves comprise some of the most important wildlife and geological sites in the counties. As well as containing varied, interesting and even rare wildlife species, our nature reserves are hugely important places for people to visit and enjoy, and appreciate outstanding wildlife. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Explore the links below to find out more.
Help us keep our nature reserves good for wildlife and good for people
- Stay on waymarked paths
- Put rubbish in bins or take it home with you
- Don't start fires or barbeques
- Be careful of nesting wildlife
- Remember nature reserves are special places for wildlife
- Please check each reserve page for individual dog policies as not all our reserves allow dogs on site. We kindly ask that dogs are kept on leads at all times to minimise any disturbance to wildlife
Thank you for helping us keep our nature reserves wild! Enjoy your visit.
Parking
We are introducing What3words to all our listed nature reserves on this page. Please note that there may be different What3words addresses for parking and the reserve entrance. Check the parking information separately from the location information on the relevant reserve page and follow any parking instructions, including parking considerately for other road users. Please note that not all of our nature reserves have car parks. We encourage the use of public transport, walking, or cycling wherever possible.
Thank you and enjoy our reserves!
Aerial view of Syston Lakes Nature Reserve. Credit: Steve Baker
Syston Lakes Nature Reserve
A restored gravel pit with a permissive circular footpath, providing a calm, green slice of nature amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Recently doubled in size thanks to a land donation by David Wilson Homes.
Nature Reserves
Filters
6 results
Dimminsdale
This reserve is well known for the spectacular display of snowdrops that appear in late winter and early spring. A visit to this special site is a must to enjoy the carpet of white that appears,…
Lea Meadows
Lea Meadows is a beautiful, diverse and historical nature reserve, teeming with wildflowers and birds. The meeting of meadows, woodland and a meandering stream make for a peaceful, wild experience…
Loughborough Big Meadow
Loughborough Big Meadow is just that – a diverse 45ha site of herbrich hay meadow. The meadow has been used for flooding as long as records exist, and this has led to a beautiful wildflower meadow…
Merry's Meadows
Merry’s Meadows is one of the most diverse and flower-rich grasslands in Leicestershire and Rutland – a must visit for budding botanists, casual naturalists or anyone wanting to experience the…
Stonesby Quarry
This tiny quarry reserve is one of the best spots in Leicestershire to enjoy wildflowers and the diversity of wildlife that they attract, so a trip in late spring and the summer to enjoy orchids,…
Wymeswold Meadows
One of the most magical things about visiting Wymeswold Meadows is the sense of seclusion you get when you step through the gates. The river is deeply cut, and, despite being so close to the road…